In September last year the new plastic tenners, bearing the image of author Jane Austen , entered circulation and now the date the old ones will cease to be legal tender is looming.

The Bank of England confirmed that the last day on which you will be able to spend your paper notes is March 1, 2018 - giving you just over a month to get spending (unless you want to put them in the bank).

A spokesperson told The Liverpool Echo : "The majority of old paper notes are already recycled using a composting treatment (as used in the treatment of food waste).

"As composting is not suitable for polymer notes, we commissioned an independent third party to conduct a life cycle assessment study to assess the environmental impacts of different waste treatment options.

"Recycling proved to be the most favourable option, as it comes with the lowest impacts for all the environmental impact indicators considered.

"As a result we have secured a UK based recycling solution, for polymer notes to be turned into pellets before being transformed into new plastic items such as plant pots."

The Bank of England is set to issue a new polymer £20 note in 2020, but there are no plans to make a £50 plastic note.

Somerset Live has launched a WhatsApp group to help you keep up to date with the latest news from across the county. If you'd like to receive breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07834 893492. Then add the number to your phone contacts book as 'Somerset Live’. We will send you a maximum of four messages a day. Your phone number won't be shared with other members of the group or be used for any other purpose.